Brienz Rothorn Railway plans battery conversion for diesel locomotives

The Brienz Rothorn Railway plans to convert its three diesel locomotives to battery power, in what it says would be a first for rack railways. SRF reports that a prototype is due to return to service in 2028.

The railway, which runs to an elevation of 2,244 metres, operates 11 steam locomotives and three diesel locomotives. The diesel engines are 40 to 50 years old and due for major overhauls, while staff and passengers have increasingly complained about exhaust fumes, said Peter Flück, the railway’s board chairman.

The railway concluded that battery-electric power was the best replacement. It would allow it to retain key parts of the existing locomotives and, according to Flück, reduce operating costs while cutting emissions. He said the route’s topography is well suited to battery power because much of the energy can be recovered during downhill journeys.

The railway plans to convert one locomotive first. The prototype will cost 5.9 million francs, which the railway will pay in full. If it proves successful, the other two diesel locomotives will also be converted. The railway says the change will make journeys quieter and reduce exhaust fumes.

The 11 steam locomotives will remain in service. Flück said the railway considers their emissions justified by the experience they offer passengers as historic machines.